Shreya’s Family Adventure: Discovering the Beauty of Srinagar with Thrillophilia
We were gliding across the serene Dal Lake in Shikara. The water mirrored the soft hues of the setting sun, creating a magical golden glow all around.
My younger sister was busy trying to take the perfect selfie, while Dad teased her about her "professional photography skills." Mom, on the other hand, couldn’t stop marveling at the floating gardens and quaint houseboats we passed by.
At one point, a vendor on another shikara paddled up to us, offering fresh flowers. My dad, ever the romantic, bought a small bouquet and handed it to Mom with a cheeky smile, earning a playful nudge in return. The air was filled with laughter, the gentle ripple of water, and the distant hum of life on the lake. That shikara ride set the tone for what would become one of the most unforgettable trips of our lives.
Srinagar, You Beauty!
Entering in Srinagar, honestly felt like stepping into a painting. Dal Lake, with its shimmering waters and colourful Shikaras, was the first thing that caught our eye. We stayed on a houseboat, and it was such a unique experience.
The houseboat owner, a cheerful man named Ahmed, greeted us with a warm kahwa. “You’ll never want to leave once you see the sunrise here,” he promised. And he wasn’t wrong. The next morning, the golden light reflecting off the lake was absolutely enchanting, leaving each and every one of us in awe.
We spent hours on a Shikara ride, gliding through the floating markets. My mom, still recovering from her “Gulmarg Olympics,” bargained fiercely for saffron and dry fruits. “Do I look like a tourist to you?” she quipped, making the vendor laugh.
My sister and I, meanwhile, were busy clicking pictures and trying on Kashmiri shawls from the floating shops. Later, we explored the Mughal Gardens, Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. My dad, ever the history buff, kept giving us trivia about the Mughals while we admired the blooming flowers.
“This garden was built for love,” he said, to which my sister rolled her eyes and muttered, “Here we go again.”
The Trio of Kashmir!
Pahalgam, let me tell you, was like walking into a fairytale. Aru Valley and Betaab Valley were breathtaking. The lush meadows, snow-capped peaks, and the sound of the river flowing— it was all so serene.
My dad, inspired by the beauty, started singing out loud all his favourite Bollywood retro songs. We also went for a pony ride, and let’s just say, my pony was not in the mood for socialising. “I think it hates me,” I said, pouting, while my sister’s pony decided to gallop a bit too enthusiastically, leaving her clutching the reins for dear life.
Sonmarg was another highlight. The snow was so pristine, it felt like we were in a winter wonderland. We tried sledding, and let’s just say my mom redeemed herself after her Gulmarg incident. She zoomed down the slope like a pro while the rest of us struggled to keep up.
Gulmarg, of course, was the cherry on top. The gondola ride offered jaw-dropping views of the mountains. My sister and I even tried skiing for the first time. I spent more time falling than skiing, but it was so much fun. At one point, I face-planted into the snow, and my sister couldn’t stop laughing.
“You’re a natural,” she teased, snapping pictures of my less-than-graceful moments.
From Wazwan to Pashminas!
No trip is complete without indulging in local food, and Kashmir did not disappoint. From Rogan Josh to Yakhni, every dish was a burst of flavour. I think I even put on some weight after eating so much Kashmiri pulao.
My mom, ever the foodie, insisted on trying everything. “We’re not leaving until I’ve had Gushtaba,” she declared. And oh, the desserts! Phirni and Shufta were my personal favourites. We also visited a local bakery and tried freshly baked Bakarkhani.
“This is better than any croissant,” my sister announced, stuffing her face.
Shopping was another adventure. The markets were vibrant, filled with beautiful handicrafts, Pashmina shawls, and intricately designed jewelry. My sister and I ended up buying matching embroidered kurtas, while my mom haggled her way to a great deal on carpets. “This will look perfect in our living room,” she said, completely ignoring my dad’s protests about fitting it into our luggage.
Reminiscing the Golden Moments!
On our last evening in Srinagar, we decided to take one final Shikara ride at sunset. The lake was calm, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink. As we floated, a musician on another Shikara started playing the santoor. The melody was so enchanting that we all fell silent, soaking in the moment.
My dad, breaking the silence, said, “This is what peace feels like.” My sister, ever the joker, added, “Until mom starts bargaining again.”
From laughing at our clumsy moments to marveling at nature’s beauty, every moment of this trip was special and brought us closer as a family. Sure, there were tiny hiccups— like my dad losing his gloves and my sister accidentally ordering the spiciest dish on the menu— but they only added to the charm of the trip.
As we boarded our flight back home, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the memories we’d made. Kashmir truly is paradise on Earth, and I’m already dreaming of going back. Maybe next time, we’ll convince mom to try skiing. Or maybe not— she might end up sliding down the entire mountain!
Read More: Thrillophilia Srinagar Reviews